Air India

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Air India
IATA ICAO Call sign
AI AIC AIR INDIA
Founded1932 (as Tata Airlines)
HubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)
Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru)
SubsidiariesAir India Express, Air India Cargo, AISATS
Fleet size300 (2024)[1]
Destinations102 (2024)[2]
Parent companyTata Group (via Air India Limited)
HeadquartersGurugram, Haryana, India
Key peopleCampbell Wilson (CEO & Managing Director)
Natarajan Chandrasekaran (Chairman, Tata Group)
FounderJ. R. D. Tata
RevenueUS$3.7 billion (2023–24)[3]
Employees30,000 (2024)[2]
Websitewww.airindia.com

Air India is the flag carrier airline of India, headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. Founded in 1932 by J. R. D. Tata as Tata Airlines, it was nationalized in 1953 and renamed Air India.[4] The airline was reacquired by the Tata Group in 2022 for ₹18,000 crore (US$2.4 billion) after a competitive bidding process.[5] As of November 2024, Air India operates a fleet of approximately 300 aircraft, serving 102 domestic and international destinations, making it India's second-largest airline by passenger volume after IndiGo.[1] The airline is a member of the Star Alliance since 2014.[2]

History

Founding and Early Years

Air India began as Tata Airlines in 1932, with J. R. D. Tata piloting its first flight, carrying airmail from Karachi to Bombay (now Mumbai) via Ahmedabad.[4] Initially operating a small fleet, including a de Havilland Puss Moth, the airline expanded to passenger services and added destinations like Delhi and Colombo by 1938.[6] During World War II, it supported the Royal Air Force with logistics and rescue operations.[4] In 1946, it became a public limited company named Air India.[2]

Nationalization and Growth

In 1953, Air India was nationalized by the Government of India, becoming the country’s flag carrier.[5] The airline introduced its iconic “Maharajah” mascot and expanded its fleet with the Boeing 707 in 1960, becoming the first Asian airline to operate jet aircraft.[6] By the 1970s, Air India had introduced Boeing 747 aircraft and launched its “Palace in the Sky” branding, operating non-stop flights to New York City by 1993.[4] However, financial challenges emerged post-2006 due to its merger with Indian Airlines, leading to losses.[5]

Re-privatization and Transformation

In 2022, the Tata Group regained ownership of Air India after 69 years, marking a significant milestone.[5] The acquisition included Air India Express and AISATS, its ground handling and cargo arm.[7] Under the “Vihaan.AI” transformation plan, Air India completed mergers with AirAsia India and Vistara in 2024, expanding its fleet by 40% to 300 aircraft and nearly doubling weekly flights since 2022.[1][8] The airline aims for a 30% domestic market share by 2027.[9]

Recent Developments

In 2024, Air India launched a $400 million refurbishment program to modernize 67 aircraft, starting with Airbus A320neo and Boeing 777 aircraft, enhancing cabins and passenger experience.[10] The airline introduced innovations like Apple AirTag baggage tracking, becoming Asia’s first carrier to offer this feature.[11] Air India also expanded its cargo operations, reporting a 30% revenue increase from 2022–24 and planning a dedicated cargo subsidiary.[10] However, the airline faced challenges, including flight cancellations due to regional airspace restrictions and criticism over service issues like delays and technical snags.[12][13]

Operations

Air India operates from primary hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with focus cities across India.[2] Its fleet includes Airbus A320 family, Airbus A350, Boeing 737, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 aircraft, serving destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.[1] The airline has resumed non-stop flights to New York City and other North American routes, navigating challenges like Pakistani airspace restrictions by using alternative routes via Mongolia or technical stops.[14] Air India Express handles domestic and short-haul international routes.[2]

Branding and Services

Air India’s “Maharajah” mascot and logo, featuring a flying swan with the Konark Sun Temple wheel, are iconic symbols.[6] In 2024, the airline introduced a new livery and enhanced inflight services, including a partnership with Vobble for children’s entertainment and an iPad app for cabin crew to personalize service.[10] The Maharaja Club, its loyalty program, won global recognition at the Freddie Awards 2025.[15]

Challenges and Controversies

Air India has faced operational challenges, including flight delays due to technical issues like clogged lavatories on Boeing 777 flights and crew shortages.[11] Public criticism from figures like David Warner and Supriya Sule highlighted service lapses, prompting the airline to mandate economy-class travel for staff on domestic flights from April 2025.[11] Geopolitical tensions, particularly airspace restrictions with Pakistan, have increased operational costs by ₹50 billion annually due to rerouting.[14]

Social Responsibility

Air India supports defense personnel with free cancellations and rescheduling for bookings until May 31, 2025, amid regional tensions.[16] The airline also minimizes single-use plastics by 80% and uses TaxiBot operations to save 15,000 tonnes of jet fuel over three years.[10]

External Links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Air India completes merger with Vistara, eyes 30% market share by 2027". Business Standard. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "About Air India". Air India. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  3. ↑ "Air India loss narrows to Rs 7,700 crore in FY24, revenue up 24%". The Economic Times. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Air India: A legacy of innovation and transformation". Hindustan Times. 20 October 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Tata Group takes over Air India". Livemint. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Air India: History and transformation". Forbes India. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  7. ↑ "Tata Group completes Air India acquisition". The Economic Times. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  8. ↑ @KaptainPetrovs (26 May 2025). "Air India transformation update". X. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  9. ↑ @AmitxUpdates (26 May 2025). "Air India market share goals". X. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Air India announces $400 million refurbishment program". Air India. 10 September 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Air India integrates Apple AirTag with baggage tracking system". Times of India. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  12. ↑ "Air India cancels flights to Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur due to security concerns". Times of India. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  13. ↑ @BWBusinessworld (26 May 2025). "Air India operational challenges". X. Retrieved 30 May 2025. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Air India resumes non-stop flights on North American routes". ch-aviation. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  15. ↑ "Air India's Maharaja Club wins global recognition". Air India. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  16. ↑ "Air India offers refunds, rescheduling for defence personnel". Business Standard. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
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